R&D Technician, Robotics Hardware

FieldAI•Irvine, CA

21d•$30 - $55•Onsite

About The Position

FieldAI is hiring an R&D Technician for its Irvine team to assemble, integrate, and validate sensing and compute payloads. The role combines mechanical assembly, electrical integration, and practical system-level debugging. The technician will build electro-mechanical subsystems, integrate sensors and embedded compute platforms, perform harnessing and power-system checks, support functional testing, and ensure payloads are reliable and ready for field use. The work supports both prototype development and production workflows, in close collaboration with engineers to improve build processes and system reliability. The position includes assembling perception payloads and compute systems, building and routing wire harnesses, installing mechanical and thermal components, performing electrical and communications bring-up, and running functional and quality tests. The technician will document test results and repairs, diagnose integration failures, contribute feedback on assembly processes, and prepare and service payloads for lab tests, field trials, demonstrations, and real-world deployments. The role is based with FieldAI’s Irvine team; the posting does not specify a remote or hybrid arrangement.

Requirements

At least 2 years of hands-on technician experience in robotics, aerospace, electronics, automotive, or a related electro-mechanical assembly environment.
Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, torque drivers, and basic machine-shop tools.
Ability to read and follow wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and assembly instructions.
Experience building wire harnesses and working with low-voltage electrical systems.
Familiarity with embedded compute systems, sensors, or robotics hardware.
Strong attention to detail and documentation discipline, with the ability to deliver reliable assemblies.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in workshop, lab, or field environments.

Nice To Haves

Experience with perception systems such as LiDAR, cameras, radar, or IMUs.
Familiarity with Linux, ROS2, or embedded-system bring-up workflows.
Soldering, crimping, or IPC-certified workmanship skills.
Understanding of thermal management, weather sealing, EMI/EMC basics, and ruggedized mechanical design.
Experience supporting prototype builds, rapid iteration cycles, or field-test deployments.
Ability to design or suggest simple fixtures or jigs to improve assembly and repeatability.
Experience assembling complex electro-mechanical systems, especially robotics, drones, or ruggedized field hardware.

Responsibilities

Assemble perception payloads with LiDAR, cameras, IMUs, GPS receivers, and auxiliary sensors using engineering drawings and build instructions.
Install and integrate CPU/GPU compute modules, carrier boards, and microcontroller-based subsystems.
Build and route wire harnesses for power, high-speed data, synchronization, and control.
Install mounts, enclosures, gaskets, seals, thermal components, and structural hardware.
Perform continuity, grounding/EMI, and power-rail checks.
Assist with bring-up of Linux- or ROS2-based embedded compute systems.
Validate Ethernet, USB, CAN, GMSL, and other communication links; verify connectorization, pinouts, and harness strain relief.
Run functional tests such as sensor bring-up, calibration checks, compute boot and health tests, and network verification.
Document test results, deviations, rework, and repair actions accurately.
Support environmental, vibration, mechanical alignment, and thermal characterization tests led by hardware engineers.
Inspect workmanship quality, mechanical stability, and electrical safety.
Diagnose wiring faults, mechanical misalignments, intermittent communication issues, thermal faults, and other integration failures.
Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and compute engineers to identify root causes and improve build processes.
Provide feedback on assembly workflows, documentation clarity, and production improvements.
Prepare, stage, and service payloads for real-world deployment.
Support integration and troubleshooting in lab tests, field trials, and live demonstrations.
Perform rapid repairs and reconfigurations in dynamic testing environments.